MCFC Press Release Blog

NEWS / Monterey County Film Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 10, 2009
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand
karen@filmmonterey.org
831-646-0910
www.filmmonterey.org

Monterey County Film Commission Names Joe Fletcher
as Director of Development and Operations

(Monterey, Calif.) – The Monterey County Film Commission has named Joe Fletcher of Carmel Valley as its director of development and operations.

Joe Fletcher Director of Development and Operations

Fletcher joins the film commission after 25 years in the entertainment business.  He has worked in film production, including Madonna’s “Who’s That Girl” and “What About Bob?”.  He produced over 900 major concert events throughout the world for such artists  as Beyonce, Jay Z, Elton John, James Brown, Van Halen, Jackson Browne, Kelly Clarkson, Bill Cosby, Jessica Simpson, 50 Cent, Maroon 5, Eminem, Tim McGraw and many others.

In 2008 he was invited to work on fundraising events for the Obama for America campaign, both on the Monterey Peninsula and in Washington, D.C.  After the election Fletcher produced the Obama Inaugural event, “Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball,” at the Smithsonian Museum. It featured Anita Baker, Keb Mo, Kool & The Gang and more, with proceeds benefiting the Smithsonian Museum.

Fletcher is a graduate of Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass., with a bachelor’s degree in economics.  In his earlier career he ran U.S. Abroad, an import-export company focused on promoting American consumer electronics throughout Europe. He was based in London overseeing operations there and later participated in the company’s expansion to Western Africa.

“I am extremely excited to put my energies into the Monterey County Film Commission,” Fletcher said.  “I look forward to joining the efforts to attract film business to the region and grow the organization.”

The Monterey County Film Commission is a nonprofit organization working to bring about economic development in the county through the film industry.  The commission was created in 1987 by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.

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NEWS / Monterey County Film Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / Sept. 21, 2009
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand, 831-646-0910
karen@filmmonterey.org
www.FilmMonterey.org

FILM COMMISSION HOPES TO FIND
LOCAL HOUSECATS AND OWNERS
TO STAR IN ANIMAL PLANET TV SHOW

A Star?

It’s a casting call of the feline kind.  If you and your cat are ready for “lights, camera, action,” you may want to try get on the Animal Planet’s reality show, “Housecat Housecall.”

The show is looking for cats (and their families) to star in its third season, and  the Monterey County Film Commission is helping producers find Monterey County cat lovers, who can get an idea of the show at www.HousecatHousecall.com.

Does your spoiled cat live a pampered lifestyle?  Is a boss cat ruling your household?

A housecat that loves the housedogs

Is your diva cat making too many demands?  Or, do you just have a cool cat with odd or quirky behavior?  Now’s the time to share your cat tale on television.  You can e-mail your story and photos for consideration to HcHcCasting3@gmail.com.

NEWS / Monterey County Film Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 11, 2009
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand
karen@filmmonterey.org
831-646-0910
www.FilmMonterey.org

LOCAL FANS CAN TRY FOR SEATS ALONG
THE RED CARPET AT THE OSCARS

Monterey County residents who are “ready for their closeup” (and quick on applying online) can try to be lucky winners of seats along the 500-foot-long red carpet at the Academy Awards® in Hollywood next year.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is launching a random online drawing for the 700 seats on the walkway that leads into the Kodak Theatre beginning on Sept. 14 at 9 a.m., and continuing for only one week until Sept. 20. The Monterey County Film Commission has posted a web link to the official application form on its website, www.FilmMonterey.org.

Those who are selected will watch and cheer Oscar nominees, presenters and others arriving at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood and Highland Center for the Academy Awards presentation on March 7, 2010.

The Monterey County Film Commission is planning its annual “Big Night Gala” event on March 7, with a local celebration of movie-making and the Academy Awards.  It will be held at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach.  The fundraiser features a big screen live telecast of the Oscars presentations, as guests enjoy their own red carpet arrival, elegant dinner, and a silent auction including movie memorabilia.

For more information, visit www.FilmMonterey.org or call the Monterey County Film Commission at 831-646-0910.

NEWS / Monterey County Film Commission
Sept. 8, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand, Director of Marketing
831-646-0910 / Karen@filmmonterey.org
www.FilmMonterey.org

Clint Eastwood’s Jazz Film “Bird” to screen
Sept. 17 in Monterey

Monterey County Film Commission and the Monterey Jazz Festival present the movie classic about jazz great Charlie Parker, and a talk by local jazz expert Bill Minor

On the evening before the Monterey Jazz Festival opens, the Monterey County Film Commission in association with the Monterey Jazz Festival will present a special free screening of the Clint Eastwood-directed jazz film “Bird,” and a talk by Monterey Peninsula jazz expert Bill Minor.  The event begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., in downtown Monterey.

“Bird” explores the life and times of jazz saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker, who had a new style of music and was credited with revolutionizing jazz in the 1940s in New York.  The 1988 film stars Forest Whitaker, who depicts Parker’s troubled world as a musician  whose wife Chan tried to help him through the highs and lows of his life.  The film won an Oscar for Best Sound in 1989.

Prior to the movie’s showing, Minor will speak about the impact of the Monterey Jazz Festival, which he has attended

Bill Minor at piano

since the early 1980s, and give insight into the role of Parker in the jazz world.  Minor is an educator, writer and musician-composer, who authored three nonfiction books on jazz, including “Monterey Jazz Festival: Forty Legendary Years.”  Minor saw Parker play live in Detroit in 1954 with Stan Kenton’s Orchestra.

The screening of “Bird” is the first of a series of three films to be shown locally in a salute to cinematographer Jack Green, who last year received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the esteemed American Society of Cinematographers.   On the ASC website, Green described his use of shadow to shape light for the film in “Bird,” his third film as a cinematographer and said, “If I could be remembered for my work on one film, it would be ‘Bird.’ ” Green also worked with Clint Eastwood on several of his later films, including “The Bridges of Madison County,” “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” and the Academy Award winner “Unforgiven.”

Free tickets to the event may be obtained through the Monterey County Film Commission and at outlets listed on its website, www.FilmMonterey.org.

Event sponsors are Alternative Café, Fenton & Keller, J.R. Rouse Real Estate, Dark Light Pictures, Nico’s Ristorante Mediterraneo, 360 Prop Works, Inc., Old Monterey Business Association, the Arts Council for Monterey County, Humble Pictures, GuestLife Monterey Bay Magazine, Monterey County Weekly, Culver Studios, and the Golden State Theatre.

For more information contact the Monterey County Film Commission at 831-646-0910 or info@filmmonterey.org.

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MEDIA NOTE: BIO INFORMATION AND HEADSHOTS
OF BILL MINOR ARE AVAILABLE

The Monterey County Film Commission is a non-profit organization proactively marketing Monterey County as a destination for the motion pictures, television and related industries,for the purpose of stimulating economic development, creating jobs, providing and supporting
educational opportunities in those areas.

NEWS / Monterey County Film Commission

June 29, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
831-646-0910 / info@filmmonterey.org
www.FilmMonterey.org

FILM COMMISSION PLANS NEW FILM MUSEUM
Search begins for Monterey County site

The non-profit Monterey County Film Commission board of directors has announced plans to establish a Monterey County film museum, which it envisions will ultimately become a tourist destination with national appeal.  It has begun a county-wide search to locate an appropriate setting.

“We are enthusiastic about the potential for our film museum to increase tourism and bring attention to our area, helping establish Monterey County as a film production center,” said Gloria Gargiulo, board president.  “While not yet announcing the unique theme of the museum, we are certain it will be one-of-a-kind and will become a destination that people around the world will want to visit.”

The film commission plans the museum as the first step in a three-step process.  Initially the museum would be created, and then a special annual award program begun, and ultimately a related film festival.

To contact the film commission about potential properties to house a film museum, call 831-646-0910 or email info@filmmonterey.org.  For further information on the film commission, visit www.FilmMonterey.org.

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The Monterey County Film Commission is a non-profit organization proactively marketing Monterey County as a destination for the motion pictures, television and related industries,
for the purpose of stimulating economic development, creating jobs, providing and supporting
educational opportunities in those areas.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                    Contact: Karen Nordstrand
April 22, 2009                                                                               831-646-0910

Monterey County Film Commission Shows Off Locations and
New California Film Incentive Program
at 2009 Locations Trade Show

(Santa Monica, CA) – The spotlight was on Monterey County film locations at the Association of Film Commissioners International Locations Trade Show 2009 in Santa Monica, Calif., April 16–18.  The Monterey County Film Commission promoted area locations ready for use in movies, commercials, TV productions and still photography advertising.

Amy Lemisch CFC Director and Karen Nordstrand

The film commission’s booth at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium was a part of the California Film Commission pavilion, which won a second prize for “Most Informative Booth.”   At the show, exhibiting California film commissioners helped unveil advance details on the new California Production Incentive Program is set to accept applicants in July.  It will be funded at the level of $100 million per year for five years, and is geared toward feature films with budgets as low as $1 million or as high as $75 million.

Monterey County Film Commission was represented at Locations Trade Show by Karen Nordstrand, who serves as director of marketing and film production. Nearly 3,500 producers, location scouts and other industry professionals attended, along with 180 film commissions and other exhibitors from more than 30 countries.

“Having a new film incentive program available for California filming was the big buzz,” Nordstrand said.

Trade show floor activity

  “The program will help keep productions from leaving the state to film, and it offers more incentive to venture to Monterey County and other areas for film shoots.”

Nordstrand distributed brochures with key Monterey County location photos and the theme:  “We can show you the money….but we’d rather show you our priceless locations.”

The Monterey County Film Commission is a nonprofit organization created by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors to bring about positive economic development through local film production.  For more information on the film incentive program or film resources in Monterey County, go to www.FilmMonterey.org.

NEWS / Monterey County Film Commission
March 18, 2009
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand,
karen@filmmonterey.org
831-646-0910
www.FilmMonterey.org

MONTEREY COUNTY FILM COMMISSION SETS UP
‘FLICKR’ PHOTO GROUP ON WEBSITE

The nonprofit Monterey County Film Commission, which works to attract and facilitate film production in Monterey County, has created a Flickr group on its website, www.FilmMonterey.org.  Flickr is an online photo and video hosting website, and is a popular platform for sharing images.

The film commission has posted some location photos, and invites photographers to join the Monterey County Film Commission group to see local images and to contribute photos that can help show off beautiful locations as well as off-the-beaten-track looks that might appeal to filmmakers.

To join the Flickr group, go to http://www.flickr.com/groups/ and search for “Monterey County Film Commission.”  Some photographers may be contacted later about having their images posted on the film commission’s searchable online location library, Reel Scout.<-->

NEWS / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey County Film Commission
P.O. Box 111, Monterey, CA 93942
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand, Director of Marketing
831-646-0910 / karen@filmmonterey.org

Film Commission’s “Big Night Gala at Pebble Beach”
Brings “The Magic of Hollywood” with Academy Awards® Telecast,
celebrity guest Carol Lawrence,
and magician Rich Ferguson

(Monterey, CA – Jan. 29, 2009) — The Monterey County Film Commission plans a night to remember as it presents its 19^th annual “Big Night Gala” on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, in the ballroom at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, starting at 4:30 p.m.

Carol Lawrence

In addition to celebrating Hollywood’s biggest night of movies with the Academy Awards® telecast on big screens, the evening is packed with more excitement and glamour than ever including celebrity guest actress-singer Carol Lawrence, a Hollywood and Broadway legend.

This year’s theme is “The Magic of Hollywood.” Mixing it up with guests will be award-winning strolling magician Rich Ferguson, whose sophisticated sleight-of-hand and upscale visuals will keep guests guessing “how did he do that?”  Ferguson does magic effects, has appeared in commercials with people playing Poker, and has consulted at the World Series of Poker.  He’s produced numerous DVDs pertaining to poker, entertainment and magic.  His hands are frequently seen on commercials involving coin and card tricks, and he’s appeared in “All the Best,” “Camp Hollywood,” and “Murder by Numbers.”

Riich Ferguson

The event begins with a red carpet arrival walk and champagne, just prior to Hollywood’s celebrity red carpet action which will be telecast in the ballroom. The black-tie optional evening features a four-course gourmet dinner with a choice of fire-grilled rib eye steak or herb-marinated chicken breast over butternut squash risotto.  Premier wine sponsor is Scheid Vineyards.

Lawrence, an accomplished actress, dancer and singer, has had numerous roles in Broadway productions, including the immortal role of Maria in “West Side Story.”  She was nominated for Tony and Grammy Awards, and has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  She will be accompanied at the gala by her son, Chris Goulet.

A silent auction during the event will offer celebrity and film memorabilia, Mexico travel, artwork, and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca packages. Several items will be available for advance online bidding on the film commission’s website, www.FilmMonterey.org, beginning Feb. 2.

The public is invited to attend, and to call for reservations at 831-646-0910. Tickets are $195 per person, with discounts for members of Reel Friends of the Film Commission.  Proceeds help the non-profit Monterey County Film Commission continue its efforts to bring an economic boost to local communities and Monterey County through the film industry.

For more information see www.FilmMonterey.org or email info@filmmonterey.org.

The event co-chairs are Monterey County Film Commission board members, Rose Clark and Taum Dell’Armo.

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The Monterey County Film Commission is a nonprofit organization, created by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 1987.  It works to market Monterey County as a destination for the motion picture, television and related industries, for the purpose of stimulating economic development, creating jobs, providing and supporting educational opportunities in those areas.

“Carmel the Movie” will need local volunteer extras during its six weeks of filming which begins in January 2009.

To get an application survey, email smithwalker@mac.com.

Extras will be asked several questions including their age, height, ethnicity, plus availability and contact details. A wide variety of looks is sought.

All extra work is on a volunteer basis.

NEWS / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Updated 17 Jan
Monterey County Film Commission
P.O. Box 111, Monterey, CA 93942
Contact:  Karen Nordstrand, Director of Marketing
831-646-0910 / karen@filmmonterey.org

Broadway and Hollywood Legend Carol Lawrence
joins the Film Commission’s “Big Night Gala at Pebble Beach”
on Feb. 22, 2009
“The Magic of Hollywood” themed fundraiser
celebrates the Academy Awards®

Hollywood Legend Carol Lawrence

(Monterey, CA – Jan. 14, 2009) — The Monterey County Film Commission presents its 19^th annual “Big Night Gala”-a benefit celebrating Hollywood’s Academy Awards® presentation–on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009 at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach.

Actress-singer Carol Lawrence will be the featured celebrity at “The Magic of Hollywood” themed fundraiser for the non-profit film commission.

An accomplished actress, singer and dancer, Lawrence is a Broadway and Hollywood legend.  She has had numerous roles in Broadway productions, including the immortal role of Maria in “West Side Story.”  She was nominated for Tony and Grammy Awards, and has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  She will be accompanied at the gala by her son, Chris Goulet.

The event begins with a red carpet arrival and champagne at 4:30 p.m., just prior to Hollywood’s celebrity red carpet action which will be telecast on the ballroom’s big screen.  The black-tie optional evening features a four-course gourmet dinner with a choice of fire-grilled rib eye steak or herb-marinated chicken breast over butternut squash risotto.  Premier wine sponsor is Scheid Vineyards.

A silent auction will offer celebrity and film memorabilia, travel, artwork, and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca race packages. Several items will be available for advance online bidding on the film commission’s website, www.FilmMonterey.org, beginning Feb. 2.  Auction item donations are still welcomed by the film commission.

The public is invited to attend, and to call for reservations at 831-646-0910. Tickets are $195 per person, with discounts for members of Reel Friends of the Film Commission.  For more information see www.FilmMonterey.org or email info@filmmonterey.org.

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The Monterey County Film Commission is a nonprofit organization, created by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 1987.  It works to market Monterey County as a destination for the motion picture, television and related industries, for the purpose of stimulating economic development, creating jobs, providing and supporting educational opportunities in those areas.